The National Electric System (SEN) is facing a critical situation this Friday with forecasts of widespread blackouts across the country. According to the Electric Union (UNE), during peak hours, a capacity of 1,877 MW is expected against an estimated demand of 3,650 MW, resulting in a deficit of 1,773 MW and an impact of up to 1,843 MW. In the morning, the capacity was 1,850 MW while the demand was 3,226 MW, with 1,424 MW affected. By midday, an impact of 1,350 MW was forecasted.
The crisis can be attributed to several incidents: the outage of the unit at the CTE Antonio Guiteras, unit 4 of Energas Varadero, unit 6 of the CTE Renté, and unit 2 of the CTE Felton. Additionally, the units 2 of the CTE Santa Cruz, unit 4 of the CTE Carlos Manuel de Céspedes in Cienfuegos, and unit 5 of the CTE Renté are also undergoing maintenance. Furthermore, there are 322 MW out of service due to thermal limitations and another 693 MW affected by a lack of fuel, which impacts 80 distributed generation plants and the Regla barge.
The situation worsens due to the shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras power plant in Matanzas, whose synchronization is still not guaranteed despite intensive efforts to restore its capacity. The Guiteras, the country's main unit block, has been facing recurring breakdowns for weeks. Authorities admit that even if synchronization is achieved, it will not operate under optimal conditions.
Impacts in Havana
In Havana, the provincial Electric Company reported that this Thursday the capital experienced power outages from eight in the evening until seven in the morning on Friday, with a maximum impact of 103 MW. For this Friday and the early hours of Saturday, a schedule was published that includes rotating cuts throughout most of the day.
Citizen discontent and criticism
While the country struggles with outages lasting over twenty hours in some areas, outrage is growing on social media. Even voices from the government are questioning the management. The journalist from Matanzas, José Miguel Solís, reported being without electricity for twenty-two hours and demanded equity in the distribution of blackouts, asserting that during the Special Period, despite the long interruptions, "the schedule was followed." In his reflection, Solís criticized the extreme inequity and lack of control, stating that there are non-prioritized circuits enjoying more than ten hours of service while others face thirty-six hours without electricity.
The energy crisis coincides with one of the hottest summers in the last decade and an outdated electrical infrastructure, where each blackout entails loss of food, lack of drinking water, and a severe impact on quality of life. According to official estimates, the energy deficit will not be reversed in the short term.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Electrical Crisis in Cuba
What is the main cause of the electricity deficit in Cuba?
The electrical deficit in Cuba is primarily due to the shutdown of several thermal power units, scheduled maintenance on others, and a lack of fuel. These reasons result in very low energy availability compared to high demand, especially during peak hours. The obsolescence of the electrical infrastructure and recurrent breakdowns further exacerbate the situation.
What is the impact of blackouts on the Cuban population?
Prolonged blackouts affect the quality of life for Cubans, leading to food spoilage, lack of drinking water, and difficulties in carrying out daily activities. Furthermore, they negatively impact the economy and essential services, increasing social discontent in a context of economic and social crisis.
What measures are the authorities taking to mitigate the energy crisis in Cuba?
Authorities are attempting to synchronize key thermoelectric plants such as Antonio Guiteras and reactivate out-of-service generating units. However, these measures have not been sufficient to stabilize the electrical system. The transition to renewable sources is mentioned as a long-term option, although its current impact is limited due to low installed capacity.
How does the lack of fuel affect the Cuban electrical system?
The lack of fuel is a critical factor that keeps numerous distributed generation plants out of service, significantly contributing to the electricity generation deficit. This shortage limits the operation of engines and plants, exacerbating blackouts in the country.
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